Absurdly early mock: Week 5

“Johnny Football”, the Houston Texan

It’s easy to become reactionary when a mock draft is done on a weekly basis. This week is a perfect example. Johnny Manziel worked his way into the first round last week for the first time; this week, he’s already seeing a jump in his draft value. We now have the Houston Texans selecting “Johnny Football” 16th overall. Matt Schaub’s poor decisions against the Seahawks prompted discussion this week about whether the Texans can ever win big with him behind center. If the Texans don’t make a deep run into the playoffs this year, it’s entirely conceivable the franchise will go in another direction at QB. Houston may even be the best fit for Manziel, as it runs the same offensive system which was adapted to Robert Griffin III’s talents in Washington. Gary Kubiak and his staff can do the same for Manziel.

1. Jaguars – T. Bridgewater, QB Louisville

2. Giants – J. Clowney, DE South Carolina

3. Steelers – C. Kouandjio, OT Alabama

4. Bucs – B. Hundley, QB UCLA

5. Rams – A. Barr, LB UCLA

6. Eagles – M. Mariota, QB Oregon

7. Rams (via WASH) – J. Matthews, OT TAMU

8. Raiders – T. Lewan, OT Michigan

9. Falcons – L. Nix III, DT Notre Dame

10. Vikings – I. Ekpre-Olomu, CB Oregon

11. Panthers – S. Watkins, WR Clemson

12. Packers – CJ Mosley, LB Alabama

13. Jets – M. Evans, WR TAMU

14. Cardinals – A. Richardson, OT Tenn.

15. 49ers – M. Lee, WR USC

16. Texans – J. Manziel, QB TAMU

17. Browns – H. Clinton-Dix, S Alabama¹

18. Bills – K. Mack, LB Buffalo

19. Bengals – B. Roby, CB Ohio State

20. Ravens – C. Lyerla, TE Oregon

21. Chargers – L. Seastrunk, RB Baylor

22. Cowboys – R. Shazier, LB Ohio State

23. Dolphins – L. Purifoy, CB Florida

24. Bears – J. Verrett, CB TCU

25. Lions – T. Swanson, C Arkansas

26. Titans – J. Matthews, WR Vanderbilt

27. Browns (via IND) – A. Seferian-Jenkins, TE UW

28. Patriots – R. Hageman, DT Minnesota

29. Saints – V. Beasley, DE Clemson

30. Chiefs – S. Tuitt, DE Notre Dame

31. Seahawks – W. Sutton, DT Arizona State

32. Broncos – D. Lawrence, DE Boise State

Draft order was determined by current record, then point differential. In the case of similar point differential, the team with the fewer points scored was given the better draft slot.

¹Why didn’t the Browns select a QB? First and foremost, the Browns aren’t in position to draft a franchise-changing QB. The Browns’ recent winning ways — along with the Colts’ 3-1 start — places Cleveland on the outside looking in as it pertains to the top four QB prospects. Also, the fast start by Brian Hoyer may have the team reconsidering its options if he continues to play at a high level. Finally, there are still legit QB prospects available in the second round in this scenario. The Browns could easily select someone like Tajh Boyd, A.J. McCarron, Stephen Morris or maybe even Braxton Miller with the team’s next pick.